The varsity Bulldogs of Emanuel County Institute are heading into the GHSA Class A – Public playoffs, set to take on Baconton Charter this weekend in the Sweet 16.
ECI has a story similar to Swainsboro’s in that they were swept in their last regular season game and will need to have a short memory while simultaneously honing their ability to refocus.
The Dawgs’ last regular season games were played last Tuesday, April 19, and Thursday, April 21, against Metter.
The Tigers won Game 1 , 10–1, in front of a home crowd. They then blanked the Dawgs 6–0 in Twin City.
Offense was slow for ECI, but a few Bulldogs came through.
Lawson Mercer scored the Dawgs’ only run on the day, thanks to an RBI by Hudson Henry, who went 2-for-3 against Metter in Game 1.
Other Bulldogs with hits in the first game included: Charlie Rehberg (1-for-3), Joseph Stewart (1-for-3), Aden McQuaig (1-for-1), and Gunnar Oliver (1-for-1).
Gabe Lee and Jack Walden both reached on walks.
Bryce Kearson took the loss. He allowed 4 hits and 5 runs over 4 innings while striking out one Tiger.
The Bulldogs squeaked out 6 hits in Game 2, but it wouldn’t be enough against an offensively powerful Metter team.
Jacob Durden led ECI at the plate; he went 2-for-2 with a walk.
Rehberg had another 1-for-3 day, and Henry did the same. Stewart went 1-for-2.
Mercer took the loss for ECI. He surrendered 2 runs on 4 hits over 3 innings while striking out five batters.
Coach Brooks Collins and his boys will have a tough challenge in Baconton Charter, a series which starts with a doubleheader on the road on Friday and the rubber match set for Saturday if necessary.
Game times are set for 1:30 and 4 p.m. on opening day and noon on Saturday.